Steve Childers, the President and CEO of Global Church Advancement, laments the way church planters wear themselves out. Church planters tend to be hard workers and overachievers, which often leads to unhealthy habits. They sacrifice their health for ministry. Although they seek to advance God’s kingdom through their hard work, they inevitably hurt the work by not being mentally and physically at their best.

Childers suggested six ways to stay healthy:

1. Sleep

Although you might be able to get by with 5 hours of sleep, you have simply learned to function in a state of sleep deprivation. The reality is you need 8 hours of sleep.

2. Sun

15 minutes in the sun each day, without sunscreen. Sunlight helps the body’s production of vitamin D, which helps support various systems of your body. You can go for a walk or run. Eat lunch outside. Play outdoor sports.

3. Solitude

Schedule times to be with God, and away from everything else.

4. Sabbath Rest

Select a day of the week when you can rest. Saturday and Sunday usually do not work because of church responsibilities.

5. Sex

Physical intimacy is often the first thing to be neglected when life is busy. Neglecting time with your wife will make your marriage unhealthy and further affect your physical and mental health.

6. Sweat

Physical exercise is crucial if you are to be healthy.

Improving your health stewards the body God has given you. You set yourself up to be more effective in your love and service of God, your family, the church, and your city.